Introduction

The point of this study is to examine one of the most accepted doctrines in Christianity, namely the Trinity Doctrine. This study will test the doctrine with scripture to see if it is really taught in the bible.

Most Christians today believe that God is a Trinity and many agree that the Trinity Doctrine is not only a major doctrine of Christianity, but perhaps even the foundation of Christianity. This study will take an indepth look at verses that appear to contradict this doctrine and scriptures that are used to prove the doctrine. We will also look at some Pre-Nicene writings from the 2nd century to see if they also taught the Trinity before it was made an official doctrine. Then we will take a look at the history of the Trinity Doctrine and list important events that helped develop this doctrine.

This extensive writing will give you and in-depth look at this subject so that you can weigh up for yourself what is true. The aim is to help you in understanding the foundation of true faith in God and for you to be ready to give an answer at anytime as to what you believe.

According to scripture, the purpose of scripture is to guide, teach, and correct us on matters of doctrine and conduct. To be humble and teachable is to be wise and such a person would rejoice when both scripture affirms and corrects us because an affirmation shows that we already possess these truths and corrections gives us the opportunity to possess these truths. Both are good.

I think it is fair to say that that most Christians today who believe in the Trinity Doctrine have never really checked it out to see if what they believe is taught in scripture. Many assume that it must be correct because it is what most churches teach and this is perhaps the doctrine that most churches have in common. In addition to this doctrine’s wide acceptance, many people think it is wrong to question doctrines like this because it shows doubt. In truth however, we are suppose to test all teaching and spirits, so that we do not become deceived.

Acts 17:11These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

Searching the scriptures to see if what we believe is true is absolutely encouraged in scripture and as Christians we should also be ready to provide a reason for the things that we believe. In order to know what we believe, it requires more than parroting a doctrine. You need to understand it in order to know whether it is true or not.

1 Peter 3:15But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,

The reality is that many Christians who accept the doctrine of the Trinity, accepted it with little questioning and even to this day they do not understand it. It is often new believers who wonder how Jesus can be the son of God and also be that God that he is the son of. Often the response to such questioning is usually met with a reply along the lines of, ‘God is a mystery and beyond our thinking’. While this is true, scripture does reveal God to us with the intention that we understand these scriptures. Thus if the bible teaches that God is a Trinity, then by that reason, it is suppose to be understandable.

Of those who believe the Trinity Doctrine there appears to be differing ways to describe how God can be three and yet one. Some believe that God is a being that shows himself in 3 different ways like water can be ice, steam, or liquid. Others believe that the Trinity is made up of 3 distinct personalities and these 3 are in unity of substance and love and purpose. This last explanation is probably the most common and it is the accepted version of the Trinity Doctrine.

Ancient diagram of the Trinity

Before moving on, I think it would be good to give the official explanation of the Trinity Doctrine. The doctrine basically says that there is one God.
The Father is God, the Son is God, and the Holy Spirit is God.
Hence God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.
These three persons make up one God. But rather than each being one-third of God, each person is co-equal and co-eternal and 100% God. The following diagram explains the Trinity Doctrine quite well.

This concludes the introduction to this study. Let’s now take an in-depth look at what scripture says about who and what God is. Click on the ‘Next Page’ button below to navigate your way through this teaching. Oh, and be prepared to be challenged.

2 Timothy 3:16All Scripture is God­breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness…

One believes God has no son and another believes Jesus is part of a triune God. Both are wrong!

John 17:3Now this is ETERNAL LIFE: that they may know you, the ONLY true God, AND Jesus Christ, whom YOU have sent.

Notice how important this is. It is eternal life.

To deny that God has a son (as taught in Islam) is antichrist.

1 John 2:22Who is the liar? It is whoever denies that Jesus is the Christ. Such a person is the antichrist—denying the Father and the Son.

Equally, to teach that Jesus is God is also wrong.

1 Corinthians 8:5-65 For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as indeed there are many “gods” and many “lords”), 6 yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live.

Jesus Christ is Lord, he is the son of God, and he is the Christ. This is the truth.

Eventually all will confess correctly as to who Jesus really is. Might as well start today, rather than later.

Romans 10:9If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

Philippians 2:11and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

But you might argue that Jesus is God because he is Lord? That is a wrong conclusion because it was God that made Jesus as Lord.

Acts 2:36“Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.”

Thus, God and Lord are different. The Father is the one true God and Jesus his son is the one whom God made both Lord and Christ.